UPS Option Under NPS: Deadline Extended to 30 September 2025

Central Government employees, retirees, and spouses get more time to exercise their option

In a significant relief to Central Government employees and eligible retirees, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has officially extended the cut-off date for opting into the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under the National Pension System (NPS) by three months, moving the deadline from 30 June 2025 to 30 September 2025.

This decision, conveyed through Circular No. पीएफआरडीए/2025/04/एसयूपी-सीजी-एमएसजी/01 dated 26.06.2025, aligns with the operationalisation of the Unified Pension Scheme under the PFRDA Regulations, 2025.

Who Can Exercise the Option for UPS Now Till 30 September 2025?

The extension applies to the following categories:

Existing Central Government employees under NPS as on 1st April 2025, who wish to migrate to the Unified Pension Scheme.
Retired or superannuated employees under NPS who meet the following conditions:
- Retired on or before 31 March 2025
- Retirement could be due to superannuation, voluntary retirement, or under Fundamental Rules 56(j) (provided it was not imposed as a penalty under CCS Rules, 1965).
Legally wedded spouses of such deceased retirees who passed away before exercising the UPS option.

Regulatory Background

The original regulation, notified by PFRDA on 19 March 2025, provided a three-month window starting from 1 April 2025 for eligible individuals to exercise their option. The Central Government is empowered to extend this window, which it has now done, allowing more time for stakeholders to assess and opt for UPS where eligible.

Why This Matters

The Unified Pension Scheme is seen as a more assured payout model under the broader NPS framework. By extending the timeline, the Government ensures that:

No eligible beneficiary misses out due to procedural delays or lack of awareness.
Spouses of deceased NPS subscribers also get a chance to benefit under UPS, ensuring continued family security.

What Should Eligible Employees and Retirees Do Now?

If you fall under any of the above categories and are considering the migration to UPS, this extension provides an opportunity to:

Evaluate the benefits of UPS vs. current NPS.
Consult with your Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) or Accounts Office to understand the paperwork and documentation.
Submit your option before 30 September 2025 to avoid missing the final deadline.

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